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What is a Holding Period

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Published Date: 05 Aug 2023Updated Date: 05 Aug 20236 mins readBy MOFSL
What is a Holding Period

Introduction 

  • The stock market is a dynamic place where investors trade in various securities.
  • The primary objective of stock market investment is wealth creation, with the added benefit of portfolio diversification. 
  • To streamline your investment journey, it is necessary to be acquainted with the stock market's terminology.
  • This article sheds light on an important term known as the 'holding period.'

What is a Holding Period? 

  • The term 'holding period' refers to the time duration for which an investor holds a particular stock. It is the duration between the purchase and sale of an asset.
  • If an investor invests Rs. 1,50,000 with an interest rate of 10% for five years, the holding period will be five years.
  • The holding period can be short-term or long-term. If the share is held for less than a year, it is considered a short-term holding; otherwise, a long-term holding. 

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How is the Holding Period Calculated? 

  • The formula for calculating the holding period is given below: 

Return = Income = (EOPV - IV) / IV 

EOPV stands for End of Period Value. 

IV stands for Initial Value. 

  • The holding period return is a metric that evaluates the worth of a stock and makes comparisons with other available shares.
  • It quantifies the return obtained from holding a stock over a specific period, which can be either positive or negative, depending on the selling price upon disposal.

What is The Importance of a Holding Period? 

Listed below are two major reasons that contribute to the importance of the holding period. 

  • Taxation 

The tax levied on the stock is determined based on the holding period. If an asset is sold before a specific threshold, it becomes subject to short-term capital gains tax. Conversely, assets held for a considerable period of time are subject to long-term capital gains tax.

  • Returns 

The holding period is a crucial factor in calculating investment returns, particularly for equity investments. Such investments offer multiple sources of income, including capital appreciation and dividends.

Conclusion

  • As an investor, it is crucial to understand the concept of a holding period to maximize returns and make intelligent decisions.
  • It not only determines the tax implications but also helps in assessing the performance of the investment. Investors gain a comprehensive picture of their investment's profitability by considering the duration of holding an asset. 

 

Related Blogs: B Shares Mutual Fund Explained | How To Choose High-Return Mutual Funds For Your Portfolio | What are Growth Mutual Funds | Exploring Contra Funds & Contrarian Investing Strategy

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Disclaimer: The stocks, companies, or financial instruments mentioned in this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be considered as investment recommendations. It is advised to consult with your financial advisor before making any investment decisions. Investment in securities markets are subject to market risks, read all the related documents carefully before investing. Investors are strongly encouraged to carefully read the risk disclosure documents prior to participating in market-related investments or trading activities. Due to the volatile nature of financial markets, no guarantees can be made regarding investment returns. Motilal Oswal Financial Services Ltd. does not offer any assured returns on market-linked securities. Please note that past performance of stocks or indices is not indicative of future results.
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